Mother dies saving daughter during devastating Venezuela earthquakes

A Venezuelan mother has reportedly sacrificed her life to save her young daughter during the powerful earthquakes that struck the country, as the death toll from the disaster continues to climb.

According to Venezuelan footballer Héctor Bello and local media reports, Bello’s wife, identified as Andrea, shielded their toddler during the twin earthquakes that devastated parts of Venezuela on Wednesday.

In an emotional tribute shared on Instagram, Bello praised his wife for her final act of courage.

“I’ll tell her the story of how you saved her, my love – how you gave your own life for our daughter, how you were a brave woman who never abandoned her, even as you took your last breaths.”

Bello later confirmed that their daughter and her aunt survived the building collapse and remain in hospital recovering from their injuries.

In another heartfelt message, the footballer wrote:

“How do I explain to your daughter that you lost your life to save hers, and that I wasn’t there to do anything? Give me strength now.”

Rescue teams continue searching through collapsed buildings in Caracas and surrounding areas after the twin earthquakes killed at least 920 people and injured more than 3,000. Authorities fear the death toll could rise further as many people remain missing beneath the rubble.

The tragedy has also claimed the lives of members of Venezuela’s football community. Caracas Fútbol Club confirmed that its under-18 player Razan Sijaa died alongside family members when their home collapsed in La Guaira.

Another young footballer, Victor Palacios, also died in the disaster, with his club, Club Sport San Agustín, and the Venezuelan Football Federation paying tribute to his life and contribution to the sport.

Former Miss Venezuela Giselle Reyes also announced that her mother died after the earthquakes caused her apartment building to collapse in La Guaira. According to Reyes, her mother suffered a fatal heart attack triggered by the shock of the disaster.

Emergency crews, assisted by international rescue teams, continue racing against time to locate survivors as Venezuela faces one of the deadliest natural disasters in its recent history.